This table is the short version of a question we answer almost daily:
| Trigger type | How it works | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Push button / squeeze | Press or squeeze to play one message per press | Recordable voice boxes, talking plush toys, DIY sound buttons |
| Light sensor | Plays when the card is opened and light hits the sensor | Greeting cards, pop-up books, photo albums |
| PIR motion sensor | Detects human movement at 2–3 meters and plays automatically | Store greeters, POS displays, doorbell and doorkeeper messages |
| Vibration sensor | Plays when the toy is hugged, shaken, or moved | Plush animals, baby rattles, pet toys |
| Magnetic switch | Plays when a magnet is removed or a contact opens | Gift boxes, packaging, open-and-play displays |
Pre-recorded versions are programmed at the factory; recordable versions let the end user record their own voice. That one difference explains why recordable modules dominate plush toys and newborn gifts — people love hearing their own voice in a teddy bear.